Where are my photo files?

Try these checks in order:

1. Search the whole PC in File Explorer:
   • Right-click Start > File Explorer.
   • Select This PC.
   • In Search This PC, search for the photo name if known, or search by type such as *.jpg or *.png.
   • If a file is found, right-click it and select Open file location.
2. Show hidden files, then search again:
   • Open Settings > System > Advanced.
   • Expand File Explorer.
   • Turn Show hidden and system files to On.
3. Check local storage locations:
   • Search with File Explorer on the PC.
   • Check the computer’s Recycle Bin or Trash.
4. Check OneDrive:
   • Sign in to the OneDrive website at https://www.onedrive.com.
   • Use Search everything at the top of the page.
   • Search with filenames, descriptions, tags, dates, or places such as "April" or "Paris".
5. If photos are being viewed through Gallery or Photos:
   • In Gallery, photos can appear from OneDrive and from folders stored on the PC.
   • Showing a folder in This PC does not upload its photos to OneDrive.
   • In Photos Legacy, the app shows the Pictures folder by default; other folders can be added with Folders > Add a folder.
6. If the files were deleted from local storage and are not in Recycle Bin:
   • Windows File Recovery can try to recover deleted files from local storage devices.
   • It does not support recovery from cloud storage or network file shares.
   • Important: minimize or avoid using the computer before recovery, because new activity can overwrite deleted file data.
7. If the photos still cannot be found:
   • If files are not found in search or in the OneDrive Recycle Bin, they usually cannot be retrieved.
   • For OneDrive-related loss, an IT administrator may be able to investigate further if available.

References:

• Find lost files after upgrading Windows
• Find lost or missing files in OneDrive
• Windows File Recovery
• Browse and manage your photos on Windows
• What is Photos Legacy?